Caribbean Tourist Organization Celebrates Caribbean Week

May 29 – June 4, 2005

Once again, Caribbean Week came to New York with bang, packing loads of festivities and entertainment throughout the week. Pier 16 of New York’s historic South Street Seaport welcomed thousands of visitors to a day-long festival which featured crafts, food and romance that ran from 10 in the morning until 7 in the evening.

The event was a gathering of all the regions of the Caribbean, with over 50 highly attractive booths representing each of the CTO member countries within the Caribbean, as well as hotels, airlines and companies within the private sector.

People had the opportunity to taste a wide variety of delicacies from Caribbean celebrity chefs who demonstrated their culinary wizardry, dazzling everyone as they prepared a wide variety of signature specialties. There were also plenty of Caribbean arts and crafts as well as other indigenous products and cultural items for everyone to enjoy. People even had the chance to get special deals on travel packages by talking directly with on-site travel agents and representatives from many different Caribbean destinations.

Some of the highlights included a special ceremony at 2:30 pm during which Caribbean tourism ministers and commissioners, directors of tourism and private sector strategic partners formally delivered proclamations which officially declared May 29 through June 4, 2005 to be Caribbean Week in New York. Of course, what Caribbean festivities would be complete without music? There were musical lots of highly rhythmic performances from a host of popular Caribbean recording artists specializing in reggae, soca, calypso and other traditional Caribbean music. Performing artists included the famous Arrow of Montserrat; Dread & The Baldhead from Antigua & Barbuda; Heat from the Cayman Islands; and Morgan Heritage from Jamaica. Also holding several performances throughout the day were the St. Martin Dancers, the Turks & Caicos Police Band and the St. Kitts and Nevis Steel Band. At the State Ball on Friday, everyone rocked to the music of Byron and the Dragonaires from Jamaica.

On May 31, 2005, the CTO held its second annual Caribbean Fair and a “DoItCaribbean” wedding (very inspirational to the spirit) that was sponsored by Fairchild Bridal Group. This event was a collaboration between publishers of Bride's, Elegant Bride and Modern Bride magazines and the Caribbean Tourist Organization. There was a sweepstake during which couples sent in their engagement stories for them to be reviewed by the CTO and Fairchild Bridal Group, with finalists being interviewed in order to determine who the winning couple would be. The winning couple received a Caribbean wedding at the South Street Seaport, Pier 16, performed under a traditional Bermudian "Moongate" provided by the Bermuda Department of Tourism, along with flowers for the bridal party from Heart to Heart Florists; a wedding cake sponsored by the St. Kitts Tourism Authority and Dreamy Weddings & Tours; a wedding gown from Mon Cheri; bridal photography from Lindner Studio; a bridal fork and knife provided by the Bermuda Department of Tourism; a four-night stay at the Alex Hotel in New York City; and a romantic Caribbean honeymoon in a destination of their choice. The couple was even serenaded by three-time McDonald's Gospelfest winner Gerard Placide, who was accompanied by the saxophonist Arturo Tappin. There was even a post- ceremony reception in the couple's honour that was held aboard the " Peking" schooner, moored at Pier 16, sponsored the government of Antigua & Barbuda. Of course, the grand daddy of them all was when the lucky couple was honored at the 32nd annual Governments of the Caribbean State Ball on Friday, June 3, which brings us to the grand finale.

On Friday, June 3, 2005, New York’s famous Waldorf Astoria Hotel was host to the 32nd annual Governments of the Caribbean State Ball, which was a fabulous event. The night started with lovely cocktail reception, which encouraged lots of mixing and mingling. From then on, it was Caribbean, Caribbean, Caribbean. Everyone made their way into the famous (not to mention most beautifully decorated) grand ballroom for the gala, which began with a warm welcome and introduction of the emcee for the evening, Mr. Dave Price, the weatherman and a feature reporter for CBS News' The Early Show and also the weather anchor for CBS 2 News This Morning on WCBS-TV, the CBS-owned station in New York. Mr. Price started by welcoming everyone to the event. Everyone then enjoyed the presentation of the flags from all of the Caribbean nations, a most colorful presentation complete with music, representatives from each nation came forth to proudly display its flag. We then heard a wonderful invocation, asking for guidance for everyone from the Almighty, especially all of the elected officials, and for protection for everyone in these perilous times we’re living in.

Dave Price then introduced the Mayor of the City of New York, Michael Bloomberg, who warmly greeted all who were in attendance, reminding everyone of the importance of the Caribbean people and their contributions. He told the audience that, earlier that day, he invited the Prime Minister of Jamaica, the Honorable P.J. Patterson, to Gracie Mansion, and the two of them enjoyed a most wonderful afternoon, talking about a host of things, including golf, which the Mayor mentioned is much easier to talk about than to actually play (hitting the ball.)

Mr. Price then introduced the Acting Secretary General of the CTO, Mr. H. Arley Sobers, then spoke, welcoming the everyone, extending a special welcome to the guests of honor. He reminded everyone of the individual contributions they have made and the support they have offered to the Caribbean tourism sector’s human resources. Mr. Sobers spoke highly about the accomplishments of the Honorable P.J. Patterson, Professor Carlos Diago and Dr. Karl Rodney as well as Sir Vivian Richards, focusing on the work they’ve done in promoting the region.

The Chairman of the of the Caribbean Tourism Organization Foundation, Ms. Jacqueline Johnson, then spoke emphatically about the organization’s mission—to educate people to develop and manage the tourism industry for a better future. On behalf of the Caribbean Tourism Organization Foundation, Ms. Johnson received a check in the amount of $20,000 from Interval International.

We next heard from the Chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization and Commissioner of Tourism from The United States Virgin Islands, the Honorable Pamela C. Richards. Ms. Richards reminded everyone about the Caribbean being a very unique region, unlike any other part of the world. The Caribbean indeed has much to offer, everything from natural splendor (including its beautiful beaches), opulence, and especially the warmth of its people—probably one of the most enviable attribute of the Caribbean. Mr. Richards thanked all of the CTO’s partners and affiliates for their tremendous contributions, and, of course, New York, for being a gracious host. Ms. Richards’ address we then followed by a delicious dinner.

Mr. Price, by the way, commented that, during the winter months in New York, there are about 31 other places he’d rather be—all of them Caribbean destinations. He comment was later met with a reply when The Most Honorable P.J. Patterson, Prime Minister of Jamaica, told Mr. Price he is welcomed to come to the Caribbean any time, even during hurricane season.

Throughout the dinner, everyone was entertained by the music of the Turks & Caicos Police Force Band. The celebrity chefs were recognized by Dave Price, who also commented that after he finishes emceeing, he’ll be going back to the kitchen to help clean up.

After dinner, there was a presentation of the awards to the honorees, the Distinguished Service Award was presented to the Prime Minister of Jamaica, the Honorable P.J. Patterson, he gave thanks to all of the people who had contributing to making the Caribbean community so prominent. The Award of Excellence was presented to Vivian Richards, the greatest cricket player ever, and to Karl Rodney, Founder, Publisher and CEO of the New York Carib News, who spoke about the importance of building relationships in the Caribbean community. The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Carlos A. Diago, of the University of the Sacred Heart, Puerto Rico. His parable for combating adversity was “cross the river on the crocodile and you won’t get eaten by him.” He quoted the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as saying “anyone can be great because anyone can serve” and encouraged everyone to continue to do exactly that.

Mr. Hugh Riley, The Caribbean Tourist Organization’s Director of Marketing for the Americas, was quoted as saying “The Caribbean encompasses more than smooth sandy beaches and warm sunshine -- we're an energetic region rich in musical traditions, culinary arts and the spirit of romance -- and the Caribbean Fair does a superb job of showcasing these attributes in a colourful and festive setting for New Yorkers.” NO KIDDING!!

There was also a brief ceremony to raise the flag of the United States Virgin Islands, the venue for the 28th Annual Caribbean Tourism Conference (CTC- 28), the Caribbean's next major conference, coming up later in October of 2005.

It’s been a great week. We at Liberty News Online would like to thank Mr. Richard Kahn, of Kahn Travel Communications, for his kind invitation.

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